DP: I started working, in my home county, Morris County, with their field program back in 2009. My first big job in NJ politics though was on the 2012-coordinated campaign. This is, I think, the most important story I can tell about getting involved in politics. At the time, I was the Vice President of the Rutgers University Democrats. A staffer from the Menendez campaign came to speak to us looking for interns. The next day I was at their office ready to volunteer. I showed up every day, volunteered on weekends, and when I didn’t have class I was the first one to the office and the last one to leave. Eventually, the campaign manager took notice and I was hired full time. I worked my way from a volunteer, to an intern, to managing the field program for suburban Essex County. So to any aspiring politicos reading this: people in power will take notice when you’re the hardest worker in the room.
CDNJ: What issues in particular have you been an advocate for and why do you feel they're important?
DP: I have always been an advocate for candidates, not specific issues. That being said, I have recently developed a passion for education policy and plan to pursue a graduate degree in education so that I may advocate more effectively for changes to education policy.
CDNJ: What do you think could be done to ensure college democrats have more of a role in the political process in NJ?
DP: I think the key to influence is activity. Elected officials in the state need to know that college students are active and involved. By volunteering on campaigns, advocating on behalf of issues, and in general making your presence known, you will expand your sphere of influence.
CDNJ: Any hobbies?
DP: I read, constantly. I aim for a book a week, at least. I highly recommend everyone read Our Kids by Robert Putnam and Between the World and Me by Ta Nehisi Coates. If you like Science Fiction and philosophy, though, the best book I read all year was The Mechanical by Ian Tregelis .I also play chess, which I think helps clear my head and helps my concentration.
CDNJ: Favorite POTUS and why?
DP:President Barack Obama. Aside from the tremendous policy accomplishments both at home and abroad, his was the first campaign I ever worked on, and he was the first person for whom I ever cast a vote. The emotional ties to him and his success cement him as my favorite.